Bedford

Bedford's population grew in the 10 years leading up to 2011. At the same time there were changes in religion and housing tenure.

The population reached nearly 160,000

In the 10 years leading up to the latest census, the population of Bedford increased by 6.5%, from just under 148,000 to 157,000.

The addition of almost 9,600 people means this area's population increased at a slower rate than the total population of England (up 7.9% since the 2001 census).

In 2011, Bedford was home to, on average, 2.4 people per football pitch-sized piece of land (about 7,140 square metres).

Population density was similar to the average across Eastof England

Population density (usual residents per 7,140 square metres) across Eastof England, March 2011 (larger dots represent greater increase since 2001)

More single parents

Census 2011 data also show a change in family life for many in Bedford.

The percentage of households in Bedford, which comprised a single parent, increased from 8.2% in 2001 to 11% in 2011.

In 2011, just over one in three (36%) households had a married couple, compared with 38% in 2001. The percentage of households in Bedford, which comprised a cohabiting couple, decreased from 9.0% to 8.9%.

The proportion of single-parent households increased faster here than in any other local authority district across Eastof England. The improvement brought health in Bedford close to the national average 11% in England described their health as good in 2011).

The percentage of households with a single-parent in Bedford increased by 2.8 percentage points

Percentage of households in Bedford, Eastof England and England that had a single parent, March 2001 and March 2011

Religion in Bedford

The number of people in Bedford that described themselves as Christian increased from just over 100,000 in 2001 to just over 93,000 in 2011. This represents a change from 69% to 59% of the local population.

The percentage decreased by less than the average across Eastof England (from 72% to 59%) and the average across England (from 72% to 59%).

The number of people in Bedford that described themselves as having no religion increased from about 22,000 in 2001 to just over 37,000 in 2011 (from 15% to 24%). The number of people who did not disclose their religious affiliation decreased from about 13,000 to just over 10,000 (from 8.8% to 6.6%).

About 8,600 people (3.3%) said they were Muslim, up from just over 4,800 in 2001 (5.5%).

There are many factors that can cause changes to the religious profile of an area, such as migration and varying fertility rates between religious groups. Changes may also be caused by differences in the way individuals choose to self-identify between censuses.

The population who identified as Christian in Bedford decreased by 9.5 percentage points

Percentage of usual residents in England, East and Bedford by religion, March 2001 and March 2011

Rise in private renting

The percentage of households in Bedford that rented privately increased from 9.9% to 16% in the decade leading up to the most recent census.

The proportion that lived in social housing remained close to 16%, while the percentage of Bedford households that owner their home decreased from 72% to 66%.

The proportion of privately rented homes increased at a similar rate to the figure for the whole of Eastof England (from 8.6% in 2001 to 15% in 2011). Across England, the proportion increased from 9.9% to 17%.

Private renting in Bedford increased by 6 percentage points

Percentage of households in Bedford, Eastof England and England that rented privately, March 2001 and March 2011

Health improved

The percentage of Bedford residents that described their health as bad or very bad decreased from 7.3% to 4.5% in the 10 years leading up to 2011.

Rates are standardised to account for variation in age, which can impact the local population's health.

In 2011, just over 8 in 10 (83%) said their health was good or very good, compared with 71% in 2001. The percentage of Bedford residents that described their health as fair decreased from 21% to 13%.

The proportion of residents that perceived their health as bad or very bad fell at a similar rate to the figure for the whole of Eastof England (from 7.6% in 2001 to 4.7% in 2011). Across England, the proportion fell from 9.1% to 5.5%.

These data are people’s own opinions in describing their overall health. They may be inconsistent with other measures of health, such as NHS records.

The percentage of people in ’bad’ or ’very bad’ health in Bedford decreased by 2.8 percentage points

Percentage of usual residents in Bedford, Eastof England and England said their health was bad or very bad, March 2001 and March 2011

Rise in rate of unemployment

The percentage of Bedford residents that were unemployed increased from 3.1% to 4.5% in the decade leading up to the most recent census.

In 2011, just over one in two (54%) people aged 16 to 74 said they were employed, compared with 56% in 2001. The percentage of Bedford residents that were self-employed increased from 8.0% to 9.5%.

The proportion of unemployed people increased at a similar rate to the figure for the whole of Eastof England (from 2.6% in 2001 to 3.8% in 2011). Across England, the proportion increased from 3.4% to 4.4%.

The rate of unemployment in Bedford increased by 1.3 percentage points

Percentage of usual residents aged 16 to 74 in Bedford, Eastof England and England that said they were unemployed, March 2001 and March 2011

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